Metallic Mastery: χαλκοῦς (Strong’s G5470: chalkous) Unveils Ancient Bronze Symbolism

Strong’s G5470: From χαλκός (copper/bronze), χαλκοῦς denotes items made of copper, bronze, or brass. In biblical contexts, it often symbolizes strength, durability, and judgment, particularly in apocalyptic literature. Its usage in Revelation connects to ancient metallurgy and temple worship practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

χαλκοῦς represents more than just a material descriptor – it embodies cultural and theological significance in ancient Mediterranean civilization. This adjective, derived from χαλκός (bronze/copper), carried connotations of strength, permanence, and divine authority. In biblical usage, particularly in Revelation, it symbolizes both judgment and purification. The term’s connection to temple worship through bronze implements and its metaphorical use in describing divine attributes demonstrates its theological weight. Early church fathers often interpreted χαλκοῦς references as symbols of God’s unchanging nature and purifying judgment, while also acknowledging its practical significance in daily life and worship.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χαλκοῦς, chalkous, /khal-KOOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: kh (as in Scottish ‘loch’) – al (as in ‘pal’) – KOOS (as in ‘loose’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• χαλκός (chalkos) – base noun meaning “copper/bronze”
• -οῦς (-ous) – adjectival suffix indicating “made of” or “pertaining to”

D – Defining Meanings

• Made of copper or bronze
• Having the properties of bronze
• Bronze-like in appearance or quality

For compound words:
The simple word formation combines the root χαλκ- (bronze/copper) with the adjectival ending -οῦς to create a material adjective.

Translation Options:

• Bronze (when emphasizing the material itself)
• Made of bronze (when emphasizing composition)
• Brazen (in more poetic contexts)

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χαλκός (chalkos) /khal-KOS/ – the base noun for bronze/copper See G5475
• χαλκεύς (chalkeus) /khal-KYOOS/ – coppersmith/bronzeworker See G5471
• χαλκηδών (chalkedon) /khal-kay-DOHN/ – chalcedony, a copper-colored gem See G5472

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

The adjective follows standard Greek adjectival patterns:
Masculine: χαλκοῦς, χαλκοῦ, χαλκῷ, χαλκοῦν
Feminine: χαλκῆ, χαλκῆς, χαλκῇ, χαλκήν
Neuter: χαλκοῦν, χαλκοῦ, χαλκῷ, χαλκοῦν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into χαλκοῦς. BDAG emphasizes its material meaning while noting its metaphorical applications in apocalyptic literature. Thayer’s highlights its connection to ancient metallurgy and its significance in temple worship. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its broader cultural context. Vine’s emphasizes its symbolic significance in Revelation. Strong’s connects it to judgment themes, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyological evidence of its common usage in trade documents. LEH adds perspective from Septuagint usage, particularly in describing temple implements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Revelation 9:20: “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze [χαλκοῦς], stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.”

Additional References:
Revelation 18:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χαλκοῦς represents more than just a material adjective in Scripture – it embodies durability, judgment, and divine authority. Its usage in Revelation particularly highlights the contrast between false idols made of earthly materials and the true living God. The word reminds us that while humans may craft impressive works from bronze and other metals, these creations are ultimately lifeless compared to our living Messiah. This truth proclaims the good news that our God isn’t a mere statue of bronze, but the living King Jesus who offers eternal life and relationship with Him.

D – Did You Know?

• Bronze objects described as χαλκοῦς were often more valuable than gold in ancient times due to their practical durability
• The term was used in ancient commercial contracts to specify bronze currency
• Archaeological evidence shows χαλκοῦς items in temple contexts often had specialized religious significance

Strong’s G5470: An adjective derived from χαλκός (copper/bronze), χαλκοῦς denotes items made of copper, bronze, or brass. In biblical contexts, it often symbolizes strength, durability, and judgment, particularly in apocalyptic literature. Its usage in Revelation connects to ancient metallurgy and temple worship practices.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: bronze, copper, metal, material, revelation, apocalyptic, judgment, durability, strength, worship, temple, metallurgy, ancient-crafts​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​